Pork stew

Pork Stew: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Welcome to the wonderful world of cooking! Today, I invite you to prepare a pork stew together, a dish that not only combines simple ingredients but also offers an explosion of flavors that beckons us to the table. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or to impress friends at a gathering.

The history of this stew often lies in childhood memories when Sunday meals were always accompanied by the enticing aroma of lovingly cooked dishes. Our recipe is a perfect example of comfort food that brings warmth and joy in every bite.

Ingredients:
- 500 g pork (ideal for stew)
- 7 medium potatoes (preferably starchy potatoes)
- 4 onions (large, for an intense flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (for vibrant color and rich taste)
- A handful of fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1-2 tablespoons of oil (for frying)
- Thyme (dried or fresh, to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients at hand. Peel the potatoes, wash them well, and cut them into cubes. Starchy potatoes are ideal for this recipe as they absorb flavors and become creamy. Then, cut the pork into similarly sized cubes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Boiling the potatoes
Place the cut potatoes in salted water and let them boil for 10-15 minutes until they are slightly soft but not fully cooked. This will ensure a pleasant texture in the stew.

Step 3: Frying the meat
In a large skillet, heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the pork cubes and fry them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. This step is essential for sealing in the juices of the meat and giving it a deep flavor. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan – if you have a lot of meat, fry it in batches.

Step 4: Sautéing the onions
After the meat is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Sauté them over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 5-6 minutes. This step will bring out the sweetness of the onions in the dish.

Step 5: Adding the tomato paste
While the onions are sautéing, add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Stir well and let it cook for 2-3 minutes. The tomato paste not only adds vibrant color but also rich flavor to the stew.

Step 6: Combining the ingredients
Return the fried meat to the skillet, then add the boiled potatoes along with some of the water from the pot they boiled in. The water will help form the sauce and enhance the flavor of the dish.

Step 7: Seasoning
Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Cover the skillet and let it simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously.

Step 8: Finishing the dish
When the stew is ready, add the chopped fresh parsley for a touch of freshness. Stir well and check the taste – you may need to adjust the seasonings.

Serving
The pork stew is served hot, alongside pickles, which add a pleasant contrast of acidity. Fresh bread is also an ideal accompaniment to savor the rich sauce.

Suggestions and variations
You can experiment with different types of meat, such as beef or chicken, and add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for a vibrant note. Another delicious variation would be to add some fresh mushrooms, which will enhance the flavor of the dish.

Nutritional information
This stew has a moderate calorie content, varying depending on the amount of oil and meat used. It is a good source of protein from the meat and carbohydrates from the potatoes, making it a hearty meal, ideal for colder days.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use pre-cooked pork?
Yes, you can use leftover pork, but make sure to add it at the end of the cooking process so it doesn’t dry out.

2. What type of oil should I use?
Sunflower oil or olive oil are excellent options, but avoid oils with strong flavors that may alter the taste of the dish.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add fresh chili peppers or chili flakes along with the seasonings for a spicy note.

I hope this pork stew recipe brings you joy and comfort at your family table. Don’t forget to share the dish with your loved ones and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!